This workshop will draw together ideas and participants from the Australian and New Zealand Biocontrol Conference.  We will assess the current state and consider future needs and prospects for biological control.  Since a wide variety of biological control approaches will be represented at the meeting (target taxa, agent taxa and methods) and the delegates will include practitioners and industry as well as researchers and policy makers we will achieve significant ‘cross-pollination’ of ideas from across these usually disparate areas.  Though this is a ‘regional’ meeting there will be a good representation of overseas speakers and participants.  The topics to be covered are certain to be of international relevance.

PROGRAM (subject to confirmation)

Keynote address: Prof Steve D Wratten (Lincoln University, NZ) et al. A farmland biodiversity and ecosystem services context for biological control.

Biocontrol Methods and Taxa
Prof Geoff M Gurr (Charles Sturt University, Aust) et al.   Integrating biological control with other pest management strategies: synergies or headaches?
Frank Howarth (Bishop Museum, Hawaii).  A fresh look at the risks of biological control.
Table discussion: initial ideas on biocontrol needs and prospects.
Coffee
Assoc. Prof Gavin Ash (Charles Sturt University, Aust) et al.   Modern approaches for biological control of weeds.
Dr Glen Saunders (New South Wales Department of Primary Industries, Aust.) et al. Modern approaches for biological control of vertebrates.
Prof Nick Mills (University of California, USA) et al. Modelling, behavioural studies and molecular approaches: methodological contributions to better biological control.
Table discussion and report back: further ideas on biocontrol needs and prospects.
Lunch

Real-World Context of Biocontrol
Dr Paul Horne (IPM Technologies, Aust.)  et al. Commercial realities of biological control.
Dr Stephen Goldson (AgResearch NZ) et al.  The role of policy and strategy in biological control and biosecurity.
Prof Ary A Hoffmann (University of Melbourne, Aust) et al. Biological control in a greenhouse world: lessons from environmental stress and adaptation.
Table discussion: final ideas on biocontrol needs and prospects.
Coffee (convenors sort ideas into 4-6 major themes)
Working groups (self selecting, each work on a major theme)
Report back
Concluding remarks.